Margaret Strawser Pavelka, 88, Lincoln, died Monday (10/29/12). Born Edgar, Feb. 8, 1924, graduated Edgar High. Married Albert William Pavelka, 1947.
Highlights of Margaret’s career included high-level administrative positions in hospitals and nursing schools in Iowa and Nebraska. She was an esteemed pioneer in developing continuing education for nurses and helped develop and open the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute in Omaha. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from the University of Nebraska, her RN from Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and completed coursework for a Ph.D. from NU. Her administrative positions included assistant director of nursing education, Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, 1953-56; director of nursing, Glenwood State School, Glenwood, Iowa, 1957-60; director of nursing, Bryan Memorial Hospital and School of Nursing, 1960-71; executive director, Nebraska Board of Nursing, 1974-82; community health nurse, coordinator of health aide program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1982-90. Member, Nebraska League for Nursing, Nebraska Coalition for Prevention of Birth Defects, Bryan School of Nursing Alumni Association Board. NWU Alumni Association 1975 Achievement Award.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Ron and Carolyn, Shawnee, Kan.; Len, Richland, Wash., Richard and Sue, Manhattan, Kan.; daughter, Sandra, Lincoln; sister, Dorothy Jones, Blue Springs; grandchildren, Tony, Tim, Jeffrey and Kevin; nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband and brother, Martin Luther Strawser.
Service: 10:30 a.m. Monday, Roper and Sons Chapel, 4300 O St. Visitation: 2-8 Sunday (6-8 with family), funeral home.
Memorials to Bryan Foundation to establish scholarship.